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Supermodels can’t do pushups

After my body image post, I was spooked while reading The New York Times. An article about supermodels – JUST the reminder I needed! Getting Models Into Fighting Shape highlights a former boxer who trains super models who need to slim down for a photo shoot or runway appearance. He tackles an interesting population – as the typical exercises would add ‘bulk’ in all the wrong areas of these long, wispy models.

Ok – so at first it was just what I thought I needed to read. But I have been thinking it through. I do not compare myself to supermodels – I compare myself to fitness models. I know that a supermodel is weak, unable to complete even one pushup because she cannot lift her own bodyweight. I cannot compare myself to that! A supermodel needs to shred every ounce of fat and muscle from her body – how healthy is that? A fitness model has to maintain at least some semblance of a real person – she needs to pose with weights and in positions that require strength and muscle! Therefore, I began some simple research.

The average fitness model

The average fitness model holds a dual role, working concurrently as either a commercial model (the leaner models) or an athlete. The average height is 5’6″-5’10” but weights vary dramatically. The body fat percentage for a fitness models is very low: 10-13%. This is well below the range of “essential fat” necessary for healthy body function: 20-27% for women. Compare this to most female athletes, who range from 14-20% body fat. So, even fitness models maintain a physique unable to effectively perform normal functioning. To maintain this body type, fitness models maintain a daily regimen of exercise, diet, and nutrition supplements. Many employ extreme weight-loss methods, such as water restriction, crash dieting, and purging, as they prepare for an upcoming shoot or appearance.

Why do I want to look like that? Because even the fitness magazines have brainwashed me into believing that this is what fit looks like. Are those dumbbells they hold real? The more I think about it, I challenge any fitness model to a physical challenge.

Thank you! Both for the personal compliment and for reblogging! It is unfortunate what we allow ourselves to think and believe sometimes. Glad I do not dwell on it too much, but I have decided to be vulnerable with these thoughts as I know there are soooo many who can relate!

Well, do not be confused. Supermodels are not skinny fat – for they have neither fat nor muscle. Generally speaking, they are not fit and they are not healthy. To physically struggle with daily functioning – that is a problem if you ask me and I in no way desire that for myself 🙂

Love this! I was at the gym doing a bootcamp class after doing a charity run up 38 flights of steps and as I was doing push ups I thought, I can do these. Three kids and ten years later, I am stronger than ever. My abs don’t look like they did pre-kid and decade prior BUT I am strong and I can do “real” push-ups! The other chicks that day sure did look good, but they dropped to their knees after one. Thanks for sharing! Strong is the new beautiful!

Thanks for this great post! I will share it with my daughter.
Young men can get caught up in body image – spending hours each day in the weight room and taking stimulants to increase their metabolism and push through their workouts, while neglecting other aspects of fitness (including cardiovascular conditioning).